Amsted

Amsted ensures each of its renovation projects exceed its clients’ expectations.

By Janice Hoppe-Spiers, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Publishing

As the housing stock in Ontario ages and fewer properties are available close to the city, more homeowners are choosing to stay put and renovate their homes. Although some may consider the renovation process less than desirable to endure, Amsted has built a solid reputation over the past 30 years for superior quality at a great value.

“People are scared to do a significant remodel, but we make sure to understand what is important to you – from expert design and beautiful, high-quality workmanship to respecting the need to keep your home as clean and organized as possible while we complete our work,” President Steve Barkhouse says. “A process developed through client feedback guarantees we will finish on time and on budget while our personalized service ensures your space is beautifully transformed into a home that is uniquely yours.”

Barkhouse founded the Ottawa, Ontario-based company in 1989 as a specialist in renovations and remodels. In 2008, Amsted adopted the design/build model, which has been a proven roadmap to success for any renovation project. The model integrates the entire process – from design through construction – under one roof that benefits the client. “We create a design that fits your budget, an easy process that encourages communication and participation, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that one company is responsible for your project from beginning to end,” Barkhouse explains.

The Amsted team establishes client expectations from the beginning with an invested team of qualified professionals who stick to the company’s proven process, structure and systems that have been built over the years. “Our clients can see why we are successful because we have great designers who don’t miss anything, experts who can perform the work, processes and checklists to ensure our service is personalized to each client,” Barkhouse adds.

Any remodeling company can say they offer good quality workmanship, a five-year warranty or have a great team, but Amsted is the only one that offers it all, and that’s the “Amsted Advantage.” The “Amsted Advantage” is a combination of people and process to ensure every project goes smoothly no matter the size. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I realize the people are the most important thing,” Barkhouse notes. “That includes our clients, partners and employees. Building those relationships is what made us who we are today.”

30 Years Strong

Amsted will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year by giving back to the community that has supported it for three decades. “We have just begun planning, but the way we celebrated our 25th anniversary was by doing 25 acts of community service to say thank you to the community, and we ended up doing more than 25,” Barkhouse remembers. “We will do the same this year, shooting for 30 acts of community service and will probably exceed those expectations.”

The company is actively involved in a number of charity organizations and community events, including the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa and Algonquin College. “We do a lot of work with the Boys and Girls Club and Algonquin College to invest in youth and in educating youth because that’s our future labor force,” Barkhouse says. “That’s going to be the trend over the next 20 years to find qualified people. The company that can attract the best and brightest will excel and there won’t be enough left for everyone else. That’s something we are focusing on today.”

Jarlan Terrace

In June 2017, Amsted began work to reorganize the interior of a 2,400-square-foot suburban home built in 1982 for a first-time client. The company renovated the master suite, three secondary bedrooms, ensuite bathroom, as well as the kitchen, family and dining rooms. The company also incorporated a number of home automation features.

Amsted expanded the walk-in closet in the master suite while maintaining ample space for the bed, custom built-in headboard and mounted television. The company also updated the three secondary bedrooms so each includes a walk-in closet.

The previous ensuite bathroom had a lot of wasted space and a layout that made no sense. Amsted designed a new bathroom that improved the functionality by separating the dressing area from the wet areas with a vanity. Amsted met its client’s expectations by designing a space that features a free-standing soaker tub and big shower, his and hers wall-mounted rainwater shower heads, acoustically insulated walls around the entire ensuite to deaden sound, a double wall between the kids’ bedrooms and ensuite, a high capacity exhaust fan and floor-to-ceiling tile.

In the main living spaces of the home, Amsted sought to create a space for entertaining that took advantage of the backyard views as the family loves to socialize. Amsted combined the existing kitchen and dining room to create an oversized, gourmet kitchen that features a huge island with plenty of space to circulate without interfering with the food prep area.

The kitchen also includes painted MDF cabinetry, quartz countertops, marble herringbone backsplash, induction cooktop and thoughtful cabinet accessories. Amsted’s designers chose a bold blue in the dining room and a sliding bar door to reflect the client’s personality. The dining room was flipped to the front of the house less frequent formal entertaining, maintaining a nice size and pantry pass-through. The living room now features a new contemporary gas fireplace, tray ceiling and an inset television with built-in speakers.

Because the interior was being completely remodeled, the homeowners took advantage to outfit the entire space with state-of-the-art home automation that includes HVAC, security, lighting, AV and blinds. Each room offers various activity presents to improve functionality of the whole home. The home is equipped with security cameras, door locks, garage door open warnings and flood sensors while humidity and temperature alerts maintain the system while the family is out of town. Ethernet cabling allows the boxes to stay in the basement while technology can be accessed throughout the home. Each room has speakers that can play together or separately.

“This was a full home remodel and a fun one that is representative of what we offer our clients,” Barkhouse says. “It’s an exciting time for Amsted as we continue to build our reputation and we expect significant growth over the next 10 years.”